There is a tussle between BJP and JDU before the formation of NDA government in Bihar. The formula of 1 minister for 6 MLAs has been fixed, but the matter is stuck on the post of Speaker. The party which gets the post of Speaker will have one minister less, hence the tug of war is going on even on important ministries.
After the landslide victory in the Bihar Assembly elections 2025, the final formula of the cabinet has almost been decided before the formation of the new government in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), but a silent political tussle continues between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal United (JDU) regarding the chair of the Assembly Speaker. Senior JDU leader Sanjay Jha has left for Delhi late on Monday night, where he is trying to finalize these issues with the BJP leadership.
cabinet sharing formula
According to sources, this time the equation of power has been determined in a completely mathematical manner. The basic formula is that for every 6 MLAs, 1 minister should be made. In such a situation, 15 ministers each will be made from both BJP and JDU parties, in which the post of Chief Minister will not be included. But whichever party gets the post of Assembly Speaker (Speaker), one minister will be reduced from its quota. For this reason, political fight is going on between the two parties regarding this important chair.
Cross-poll position for the post of Speaker
The matter is currently stuck in the Speaker’s chair, and both the parties have their own arguments. JDU argues that the post of Chief Minister belongs to our party, hence the command of the House should also be with us. Apart from this, the post of Chairman of the Legislative Council is already with BJP. Whereas BJP wants to keep it strategically in view of balance of power and numerical strength. This post was with BJP in the last assembly also and this time too it is not ready to give up it.
Calculation of allies
Calculations are also set regarding smaller allies.
- LJP(R): If LJP (Ram Vilas) gets the post of Deputy CM, the party will get 2 ministers. If this post is not found, then 3 ministers will be given.
- HAM and RLM: 1 minister each from Jitan Ram Manjhi’s party HAM (HAM) and Upendra Kushwaha’s party RLMO (RLM).
Tug of tussle over ministries and swearing-in
Apart from the Speaker’s chair, there is also a tussle over key ministries. This time BJP wants influential ministries like Home, Finance, Health and Road Construction. JDU wants to keep important departments like rural development, energy, education and water resources with itself. At present, the tussle continues on these three fronts – the formula of Deputy CM (it is believed that BJP can make two Deputy CMs) and division of ministries.
Two proposals are under consideration for the swearing-in. Either the CM, Deputy CM and 5-6 ministers take oath first, or the CM, both Deputy CMs and about 20 ministers take oath together. According to BJP sources, the cabinet list and balance of power will be formally approved by November 19, after which the swearing-in ceremony will be held at Gandhi Maidan on November 20.